As the forum auto-splits topics every 50 pages, the next topics will be named further chapters accordingly. This is chapter three, guys, KEEP IT UP!

Post.POST.POST!

~Jediluigi

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--Yaga Minor--

“Unfortunately, they did not have one.” He stated, looking over the janitor’s shoulder to confirm his directions mentally. Now there was just the matter of blending in without magic…

--Unknown World--

Leon walked up cautiously toward the creature, pistol ready in his free hand as he kept himself aware of his surroundings. So it takes a shot to the head to kill them. He thought, as he used the opportunity provided by the creature to learn how to combat his potential enemy.

--Gothis Orbit--

The Hive Ship activates its telekinetic powers once more, managing to deflect the torpedoes utilizing similar abilities to the Rachni. The Collective fleet presses on still, taking light losses via the Thanix cannons by comparison to the Turians.

--Gothis Land--

Despite the Collective Troops hunkering in and luring the enemy to them, several were still dieing, while some managed to put up a fight.

--Charad--

The pilot looked at the kiwi incredulously, as if annoyed. She hands the drawing to the kiwi, as if emphasizing it.

--Konnsallann Station--

Cross was annoyed, at first, to the interruption, but then intrigued by the report she overheard. She remained silent, however, waiting to see if anyone would even remember her presence and what they would say in explanation.

--Bladnir--

(On hold until JL either gets Victoria II or managed to talk to me on Skype to discuss where to go from here.)

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Signatures:

"All endeavors call for the ability to tramp the last mile, shape the last plan, endure the last hours toil. The fight to the finish is the one... characteristic we must possess if we are to face the future as finishers." - Henry David Thoreau

"If you think people care about you or your commands, you're delusional. You have to make an impact, a legacy to be accountable to. Be the cause of a calamity or a miracle, and then you will become the symbol of the people; A true leader with authority, either through the mutual fear or love of the masses." - Mikhail Azarias

The rather large patrol of demonic soldiers walked down the stairs in a two rows of three. As they passed, only the rear guard stopped to sniff the air, as if smelling something that shouldn't belong. He looked about, unsure as to what the source was, but then one of the demons spoke up, commanding the wayward to follow. They passed without incident.

--Solus Star Cluster, Reactor #4, Nearby--

The Dark Corridor took them to a snowy landscape, and as Xirce realized it was cold, his body was reacting via uncontrolled shivering. "Blasted Saix, this world is colder than he is!" He yelled aloud in an facade of emotion. "Perhaps I can warm myself up a bit, I can't fight frozen..." He stated, taking in a deep breath as he called upon the power of the sun to grant him internal warmth.

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Signatures:

"All endeavors call for the ability to tramp the last mile, shape the last plan, endure the last hours toil. The fight to the finish is the one... characteristic we must possess if we are to face the future as finishers." - Henry David Thoreau

"If you think people care about you or your commands, you're delusional. You have to make an impact, a legacy to be accountable to. Be the cause of a calamity or a miracle, and then you will become the symbol of the people; A true leader with authority, either through the mutual fear or love of the masses." - Mikhail Azarias

The rather large patrol of demonic soldiers walked down the stairs in a two rows of three. As they passed, only the rear guard stopped to sniff the air, as if smelling something that shouldn't belong. He looked about, unsure as to what the source was, but then one of the demons spoke up, commanding the wayward to follow. They passed without incident.

--Solus Star Cluster, Reactor #4, Nearby--

The Dark Corridor took them to a snowy landscape, and as Xirce realized it was cold, his body was reacting via uncontrolled shivering. "Blasted Saix, this world is colder than he is!" He yelled aloud in an facade of emotion. "Perhaps I can warm myself up a bit, I can't fight frozen..." He stated, taking in a deep breath as he called upon the power of the sun to grant him internal warmth.

Lae waited until they were entirely out of view, then disabled his cloaking device before raising an eyebrow at the still-visible Azrael. Azrael seemed to sense Lae's confusion before quietly stating, "I created an arcane invisibility field for us... you didnt need to waste your battery." They continued up the stairway, against the wall as before to keep as discreet as possible.

Xyphus walked through the snow toward their objective, plainly shivering violently, but ignoring it. He stopped after a few more steps, then stopped and stated in a low tone, "I hope you can take even more cold, I'd rather notice them before they notice us." The wind picked up slightly, and snow began to fall lightly. It was gradual, but as they would walk, it would start to come down a little harder.

As they continued, they would encounter no demonic entity. However, the feeling that they were being watched or followed steadily increased as they journeyed up the stairs. Eventually, they would start to see doorways leading deeper inward every floor or so.

--Reactor #4--

While Xirce had to admit that the logic was sound, his bodily convulsions increased as the blizzard set in, and he knew the proper reaction to such an act as well. "Oh geez, son of a [censored]..." He swore aloud, shivering even more and attempting to compensate with his own powers. As they continued, Xirce noted his shivering. "... Aren't you just a ray of sunshine..." He stated, trying to act sarcastic while also trying to garner Xyphus's attention.

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Signatures:

"All endeavors call for the ability to tramp the last mile, shape the last plan, endure the last hours toil. The fight to the finish is the one... characteristic we must possess if we are to face the future as finishers." - Henry David Thoreau

"If you think people care about you or your commands, you're delusional. You have to make an impact, a legacy to be accountable to. Be the cause of a calamity or a miracle, and then you will become the symbol of the people; A true leader with authority, either through the mutual fear or love of the masses." - Mikhail Azarias

As they continued, they would encounter no demonic entity. However, the feeling that they were being watched or followed steadily increased as they journeyed up the stairs. Eventually, they would start to see doorways leading deeper inward every floor or so.

--Reactor #4--

While Xirce had to admit that the logic was sound, his bodily convulsions increased as the blizzard set in, and he knew the proper reaction to such an act as well. "Oh geez, son of a [censored]..." He swore aloud, shivering even more and attempting to compensate with his own powers. As they continued, Xirce noted his shivering. "... Aren't you just a ray of sunshine..." He stated, trying to act sarcastic while also trying to garner Xyphus's attention.

Azrael looked at each doorway as they passed them. Lae only glanced at them periodically."We're going to have to get off these stairs I think." Azrael stated."What makes you say that?" Lae inquired as he leaned slightly around a doorway to make sure no one was coming."They wouldn't just put the control center at the top of these stairs, that'd be too easy... we need to go down one of these passages... but which one?"Lae remained silent, heading up a few more steps before Azrael strode up to a doorway and said. "This one." And began walking through the doorway without another word."Hey!" Lae called after him before silencing himself when he realized he had been too loud. He sprinted after Azrael.

The passage seemed to run on forever despite the Spire's shape and size. However, as they neared the other side, more loud footsteps seemed to approach from behind them, another patrol it would seem. However, what was odd was that it was louder than the last patrol.

--Reactor #4--

"... Talk about doom and gloom. Did anyone tell you that our body still feels too or did they just wrap you up in a box and shipped you out of the factory?" Xirce asked, but before Xyphus could answer, a pitch-black shadow zoomed across the snow-white landscape. And when they turned to investigate, more appeared out of the corner of their eyes, disappearing in the same fashion. "... Well, at least the intel was right."

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Signatures:

"All endeavors call for the ability to tramp the last mile, shape the last plan, endure the last hours toil. The fight to the finish is the one... characteristic we must possess if we are to face the future as finishers." - Henry David Thoreau

"If you think people care about you or your commands, you're delusional. You have to make an impact, a legacy to be accountable to. Be the cause of a calamity or a miracle, and then you will become the symbol of the people; A true leader with authority, either through the mutual fear or love of the masses." - Mikhail Azarias

The passage seemed to run on forever despite the Spire's shape and size. However, as they neared the other side, more loud footsteps seemed to approach from behind them, another patrol it would seem. However, what was odd was that it was louder than the last patrol.

--Reactor #4--

"... Talk about doom and gloom. Did anyone tell you that our body still feels too or did they just wrap you up in a box and shipped you out of the factory?" Xirce asked, but before Xyphus could answer, a pitch-black shadow zoomed across the snow-white landscape. And when they turned to investigate, more appeared out of the corner of their eyes, disappearing in the same fashion. "... Well, at least the intel was right."

Azrael continued walking calmly, but shot a burst of frost magic from one hand into the floor. He stood there for a few moments until a very slippery layer of ice had formed, then created the invisibility bubble around them as Lae was reaching for his cloaking device. Azrael grabbed Lae's wrist and simply said, "Save your batteries. We'll be fine." They jogged quietly down the rest of the corridor as the patrol would likely reach the ice slick that Azrael had made to at least slow them down for a few moments.

Xyphus reached for his left hip with his left hand and drew a scimitar from one of the sheathes that hung on that side of his belt, expecting to have a fight shortly. While he held his scimitar in his left hand at his side, he kept his right hand on his Iai blade still in its sheathe, ready to draw it at any moment. However, he calmly continued walking. The storm further intensified to an insane new high, creating whirlwinds that would blow anything away that didn't brace itself, and likely freezing creatures unprotected from the elements solid."

As the patrol came upon the ice slick, several fell down in a rather cartoon manner. The leader, speaking in basic this time, lashed out at his subordinates. "Get back up you pathetic fools and keep looking for the intruder!" He, or rather it given that it is a demon, yelled at his troops. As they recovered, the patrol continued.

There were at least twenty demons and even two mechs, all escorting a more human-looking, but still obviously a demon. He would seem to be the commander.

--Reactor #4--

In the distance could be spotted were flashing blue lights of some variety. Given the storm's intensity, it was very difficult to make out. However, as this discovery was made, a large shadowy creature about the same height as Xyphus lunged itself at Xirce, and then two more at Xyphus, seemingly unhindered by the storm's freezing effects.

Xirce took out his two hook-swords and lunged them into the shadowy creature. What was discovered was that his weapons hardly affected the creature, as it kept clawing at Xirce unabated by the Nobody's attack. Xirce threw the creature into a nearby whirlwind, now entering a battle pose as several more of the same creatures appeared around them, seemingly popping up out of the ground via black, shadowy circles of some sort. "And here I thought this day would be boring..."

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Signatures:

"All endeavors call for the ability to tramp the last mile, shape the last plan, endure the last hours toil. The fight to the finish is the one... characteristic we must possess if we are to face the future as finishers." - Henry David Thoreau

"If you think people care about you or your commands, you're delusional. You have to make an impact, a legacy to be accountable to. Be the cause of a calamity or a miracle, and then you will become the symbol of the people; A true leader with authority, either through the mutual fear or love of the masses." - Mikhail Azarias

As the patrol came upon the ice slick, several fell down in a rather cartoon manner. The leader, speaking in basic this time, lashed out at his subordinates. "Get back up you pathetic fools and keep looking for the intruder!" He, or rather it given that it is a demon, yelled at his troops. As they recovered, the patrol continued.

There were at least twenty demons and even two mechs, all escorting a more human-looking, but still obviously a demon. He would seem to be the commander.

--Reactor #4--

In the distance could be spotted were flashing blue lights of some variety. Given the storm's intensity, it was very difficult to make out. However, as this discovery was made, a large shadowy creature about the same height as Xyphus lunged itself at Xirce, and then two more at Xyphus, seemingly unhindered by the storm's freezing effects.

Xirce took out his two hook-swords and lunged them into the shadowy creature. What was discovered was that his weapons hardly affected the creature, as it kept clawing at Xirce unabated by the Nobody's attack. Xirce threw the creature into a nearby whirlwind, now entering a battle pose as several more of the same creatures appeared around them, seemingly popping up out of the ground via black, shadowy circles of some sort. "And here I thought this day would be boring..."

Azrael heard them reorganizing themselves a bit quicker than he had hoped. He had wanted at least a few more seconds. He then said, "Lae, move ahead. I'll catch up." He turned around to face the demons.Lae turned, about to say something, then decided that he'd just leave him. He wasn't about to risk his neck for the suicidal man. Lae would continue to the end of the corridor into whatever room awaited a head.In front of the demons, Azrael would seem to appear out of thin air. He stared at them with a poker face. "Gentlemen." He greeted in a polite tone.

Xyphus slashed the creature with a right-to-left swing with his left hand weapon, his scimitar, and cut the first creature in half. He then quickly followed it up by drawing his iai blade with his right hand, and slashed upward, splitting that one in half, too before immediately sheathing it, but keeping his hand on it. Despite the storm being a blizzard, there was a bright purple flash, and a low rumbling all around them. A moment later, a bolt of purple lightning struck one of the creatures as they rose up out of the ground, creating a loud explosion of thunder. "These things are pests..." Xyphus grumbled.

*Ackbar flies to Raven's outstretched hand. He is surprisingly light, given his large size, and once settled, he gazes contemplatively into her eyes.* Ackbar: Why are you here, young one? Fighting a Primitus ship halfway across the galaxy, only to find yourself on my doorstep--that can't be coincidence. *At length, he looks over her shoulder to the huge mech behind her.* Doctor, this is the construct she was fighting the Primitus ship in?

Fallah: Yes, sir. It's like nothing I've ever seen before. She was able to at least fight the Primitus ship to a standstill, despite being heavily damaged. Additionally, Admiral, at the risk of sounding addled, she seems to be...bonded to it in some mystic way. *She shrugs at the hawk's incredulous look.* Just what I've observed, sir. Damage to it manifests as wounds on her body, and it seems to be able to self-repair in much the same way that any creature's body can heal injuries. (to Raven) Can you show him what you showed me?

Raven glanced over at Fallah and then the mech moved, walking forward until it was right behind Raven. From that perspective, one could see the wounds on her body correlating the ones that the mech was also suffering from.

--Anima Prime--

The patrol stopped as Azrael appeared. The leader took a few steps forward to analyze the would-be assassin and then snapped his fingers. That apparently translated to an attack command, as the mech's opened fire with their turreted plasma-cannons. The demons spread out, taking out rifles and conjuring hell-fire, waiting for their commander's command to attack.

--Reactor #4--

"Pests and rodents, but they're still in our way." Xirce said, conjuring down a beam of light to pierce one of the creatures in half, and then hooked another as it formed and launched it at Xyphus to be dismantled. To his surprise, however, the creature suddenly teleported behind him. He barely had time to react and block the creature's claws, but managed, only to leave himself open to an attacker to either side as the pair was soon being overwhelmed by several of these creatures. "And apparently, these insects breed like rabbits." He commented, pushing one of the beings back and ducking down, casting down another beam of light on two shadows to either side and then launching himself into the third creature, piercing it with his swords and throwing it at a fourth, which had just appeared alongside at least a dozen more. "Rabbits on Spice I might add."

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Signatures:

"All endeavors call for the ability to tramp the last mile, shape the last plan, endure the last hours toil. The fight to the finish is the one... characteristic we must possess if we are to face the future as finishers." - Henry David Thoreau

"If you think people care about you or your commands, you're delusional. You have to make an impact, a legacy to be accountable to. Be the cause of a calamity or a miracle, and then you will become the symbol of the people; A true leader with authority, either through the mutual fear or love of the masses." - Mikhail Azarias

Raven glanced over at Fallah and then the mech moved, walking forward until it was right behind Raven. From that perspective, one could see the wounds on her body correlating the ones that the mech was also suffering from.

--Anima Prime--

The patrol stopped as Azrael appeared. The leader took a few steps forward to analyze the would-be assassin and then snapped his fingers. That apparently translated to an attack command, as the mech's opened fire with their turreted plasma-cannons. The demons spread out, taking out rifles and conjuring hell-fire, waiting for their commander's command to attack.

--Reactor #4--

"Pests and rodents, but they're still in our way." Xirce said, conjuring down a beam of light to pierce one of the creatures in half, and then hooked another as it formed and launched it at Xyphus to be dismantled. To his surprise, however, the creature suddenly teleported behind him. He barely had time to react and block the creature's claws, but managed, only to leave himself open to an attacker to either side as the pair was soon being overwhelmed by several of these creatures. "And apparently, these insects breed like rabbits." He commented, pushing one of the beings back and ducking down, casting down another beam of light on two shadows to either side and then launching himself into the third creature, piercing it with his swords and throwing it at a fourth, which had just appeared alongside at least a dozen more. "Rabbits on Spice I might add."

Azrael readied himself as they began shooting. He dove forward under the first salvo of rounds from the mechs and rolled forward. As he returned to his feet, he conjured a thick wall of ice to protect him for just a moment. He began focusing a massive amount of fiery magic into his hands. As the ice shattered under the duress of enemy fire, he raised his hands over his head, and slammed them into the ground. All throughout the hallway, pillars of fire exploded out of the ground... but not a single one even came close to any of the demons.

Xyphus rushed into the pack of heartless as the wind began blowing at his and Xirce's back. The force of the wind was enough to make it difficult to stand against, but made it extremely easy to charge the creatures. He swung his scimitar horizontally into one, then turned and swung downward into another, before drawing his iai blade and stabbing forward into the creature behind that one. A bolt of lightning struck the ground behind him, fending off, or perhaps even destroying any of the creatures that attempted to flank him.

*Fallah nods.* Ackbar: Doctor, do you think we could convince her to fight for us? She could be a very powerful asset indeed.

Fallah: I'm not sure, sir. *She explains the full story to him.*

Ackbar: ...I see. *He turns his gaze back to Raven.* Well, young Raven? Would you fight for us? You have no reason to wish to do so. If you wanted, we could return you to your planet. To your people. I'm sure they miss you.

"Well, it's good to know that the Marentanz are still alive." Remarks Kavinnsson. "But they're a tough little people. All Marentanz are Force-sensitive, so I imagine that the Imperium would have a hard time conquering them. That's why we didn't. We just made a deal with them. And as for Fey, we sent a stealth fleet there, but their findings have proved inconclusive. What we do know is that most of the inhabitants just left. We have no idea where they went, however."

--EDIT--

Could we maybe play around with an Imperium invasion of Marenta Prime?

The commander was confused at first but shrug it off, ordering for a second salvo. As the salvo began, with the demons playing a part, the ceiling collapsed on top of the demons, blocking their passage. The commander held the debris up with one arm, sighing his annoyance. "Find him and destroy him!" He ordered the others, who proceeded to find other routes to Azrael.

--Aves--

Raven looked at Ackbar confused, and didn't give an answer immediately. Internally, she was thinking the question through. She knew her orders well enough to know that she was to recall as soon as possible, and she did not see a reason to disobey as soon as the mech was repaired.

--Absolution--

"My lieutenat's report spoke the same message, I am aware of the status of Fey. I apologize that I cannot convey further knowledge, however, given the circumstances, we must wait to deal with that issue." Marion replied, and then gestured to the map. "The Imperium Armada far outnumbers us in ships, so, we must utilize subversive means to eliminate them on the ground and use the planet as a means to sabotage the fleet. If we can establish a foothold, my men can build the proper weaponry to dismantle the fleet as ours arrives." The projection moved to show that of a structure of some sort. "That being said, we cannot approach the planet on our ships. We will, instead, utilize these gates that our R&D developed some time ago. The Absolution is equipped with such a gate, and thus all I ask is that you participate due to your knowledge of your own planet and because we don't have the required manpower in the fleet."

She straightened back up, signalling that she was done speaking. "I need an answer."

--Marenta Prime--

The Imperium Armada orbited around the planet, casting an ominous shadow as hundreds, if not thousands of shuttles and landing craft began approaching the planet, and even some of the larger ships followed suite. Before all of that, however, waves upon waves of strikecraft soared down to the planet, bombing any defensive installations and possible bases to smoldering slag.

--Reactor #4--

The two neared the cliff, now realizing that, while uncertain before due to the weather, they were on a mountain landscape. "Oh, great, they could've told us what the terrain was at the very least!" Xirce complained, as a shadow lunged at him and he ducked, using the hook sword to sweep its feet out from under it and sending it overboard. His second sword went on to block an attack, and as the two were surrounded by an increasingly numerable army. "I don't believe we're going to win this." Xirce stated in a more serious tone now, dropping his earlier sarcastic act. "... I think we should head for the reactor and at least use its interior as a defense."

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Signatures:

"All endeavors call for the ability to tramp the last mile, shape the last plan, endure the last hours toil. The fight to the finish is the one... characteristic we must possess if we are to face the future as finishers." - Henry David Thoreau

"If you think people care about you or your commands, you're delusional. You have to make an impact, a legacy to be accountable to. Be the cause of a calamity or a miracle, and then you will become the symbol of the people; A true leader with authority, either through the mutual fear or love of the masses." - Mikhail Azarias

The commander was confused at first but shrug it off, ordering for a second salvo. As the salvo began, with the demons playing a part, the ceiling collapsed on top of the demons, blocking their passage. The commander held the debris up with one arm, sighing his annoyance. "Find him and destroy him!" He ordered the others, who proceeded to find other routes to Azrael.

--Aves--

Raven looked at Ackbar confused, and didn't give an answer immediately. Internally, she was thinking the question through. She knew her orders well enough to know that she was to recall as soon as possible, and she did not see a reason to disobey as soon as the mech was repaired.

--Absolution--

"My lieutenat's report spoke the same message, I am aware of the status of Fey. I apologize that I cannot convey further knowledge, however, given the circumstances, we must wait to deal with that issue." Marion replied, and then gestured to the map. "The Imperium Armada far outnumbers us in ships, so, we must utilize subversive means to eliminate them on the ground and use the planet as a means to sabotage the fleet. If we can establish a foothold, my men can build the proper weaponry to dismantle the fleet as ours arrives." The projection moved to show that of a structure of some sort. "That being said, we cannot approach the planet on our ships. We will, instead, utilize these gates that our R&D developed some time ago. The Absolution is equipped with such a gate, and thus all I ask is that you participate due to your knowledge of your own planet and because we don't have the required manpower in the fleet."

She straightened back up, signalling that she was done speaking. "I need an answer."

--Marenta Prime--

The Imperium Armada orbited around the planet, casting an ominous shadow as hundreds, if not thousands of shuttles and landing craft began approaching the planet, and even some of the larger ships followed suite. Before all of that, however, waves upon waves of strikecraft soared down to the planet, bombing any defensive installations and possible bases to smoldering slag.

--Reactor #4--

The two neared the cliff, now realizing that, while uncertain before due to the weather, they were on a mountain landscape. "Oh, great, they could've told us what the terrain was at the very least!" Xirce complained, as a shadow lunged at him and he ducked, using the hook sword to sweep its feet out from under it and sending it overboard. His second sword went on to block an attack, and as the two were surrounded by an increasingly numerable army. "I don't believe we're going to win this." Xirce stated in a more serious tone now, dropping his earlier sarcastic act. "... I think we should head for the reactor and at least use its interior as a defense."

Azrael grinned at his own handiwork. "Loud, unnecessary, yet effective... my old teacher would've been pissed..." He turned and sprinted down the hall way and found Lae ducking behind a crate in the room at the end."Who taught you how to be stealthy?" Lae criticized in a hushed voice.Azrael simply replied, "A cheerios box."Lae raised an eyebrow. "You're joking right?""Well, wouldn't you just like to know?"Lae groaned in annoyance and peeked over the crate to see what awaited them.

Xypus nodded in agreement and said, "Good idea." He immediately began sprinting for the reactor, slicing through shadows and running as quick as his body would allow.

Ackbar: Shadow, if I look as stupid as I think I do, this had better be worth it. *At length, having received no answer from the human, he hops off her hand, landing lightly on the floor, and holds out his foot in a handshake gesture.* Let's try this again. Will, you, Raven, fight for us?

"Of course, we would offer our help in this matter." Says Kavinnsson. "Marenta Prime is a tropical world, with spontaneous and powerful storms lashing the many islands on and off. The storms don't last for very long, but can be very dangerous. I'm sure the invading troops will not be prepared for the first few, and they will likely put a dent in the first invasion group. That being said, there is not very much land to cover when invading. The one continent, Maren, is mostly plains, and we have most of our military centered there. The rest of the world is dotted with small atolls and island chains, but that is where most of the populace lives, anyway. Marenta Prime is mainly a resort-world for non-Marentanz, and I'm hoping that the first invasion force will try to focus their attack of the main continent." He takes a small pause, then continues: "I should also notify you that the Marentanz, who are the planet's indigenous inhabitants, are all force-sensitive. Most of them are moderately powerful, and are at least able to manipulate man-sized objects. One of my other hopes is that the Marentanz themselves will be able to hold a decent fight."

"What exactly does this gate do?" Asks one of the Untirkifkontrøllers

~Marenta Prime, Maren~

As the SRI military runs for cover inside the bunkers, a lone Marentanz stands on a ridge. While his bright red skin and many deep blue tattoos should act as a beacon for the invading soldiers, no one seems to notice him. He is in a state of concentration, and as it turns out, is cloaking himself in the Force. This particular Marentanz is named Toku 'Uana, and is one of the 'Olukuana Kanina, or High Shamans, and as such, is very powerful in the Force.

As a shuttle lands on the ridge behind him, several Imperium soldiers exit and start to scan their surroundings. Toku uncloaks, and draws on the Force to gain incredible speed. All the soldiers see is a blur. Suddenly, one of them falls on his back, with a blood-spurting gash across his neck. Just as soon as the others in the squad turn around, a knife lands in the small of the squad leader's back. The rest of the squad starts to panic, and try to spread out, but the remaining two are lifted about 3 feet off the ground by the now visible 'Olukauana Kani. Toku holds them there for a few seconds, and them tosses them casually off the cliff. As the shuttle's pilot desperately tries to escape, Toku picks up a dropped rocket launcher from one of the dead men. As soon as he finds the trigger, he fires it, and uses the Force to guide the missile to the shuttle's engines.

As the remains of the transport rain down on the ground, Toku speeds off towards the SRI bunker in a blur.

Location: In orbit over an unnamed planet in Guild Omega Research Base.A research tech walks up to Django. "Sir we are starting to figure out the controls for the first artifact and we expect to be have complete control of the ship within 24 hours."Django replies "Excellent, but I can tell that's not why you are here. What is it?"The tech replies "Scans indicate the second artifact is a chamber serving an unknown purpose which we have yet to be able to enter. However the artifact houses an AI and while she is secretive what she has told us is...troubling. Apparently the artifact stolen from us was a prison for a being from another dimension. The being is immensely powerful and should he be freed it is unknown whether he could be stopped. In addition the AI seems to know you and has asked for you by name. She wants to talk to you sir, she says its urgent."Django replies "Very well. I'll go talk to her right away."----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Location: Dominion Throne Room.

20 marines walk into the throne room escorting the stolen artifact which is a gigantic square of an unknown glossy black stone covered in glowing golden runes. The marines lower the artifact onto the ground and turn 180 degrees and walk out leaving only Mengsk and a hooded figure with a black cape decorated with a blood red rune. Mengsk turns to the figure and says "Are you certain this artifact you gave me will be able to bind the Destroyer to my will?"The figure hisses "Yessss. You will be able to control the very forcesss of the universe and all will bow before you."Mengsk walks over to the stone square and holds up a glowing black crystal while at the same time he draws the rune from the figures cape on the box with his own blood. This causes the runes to turn blood red and the box to emit a malevolent cloud of gas that takes a humanoid shape with glowing red eyes. The figure in the cape cackles madly and screams "For millenia we have waited for the day when we would be able to free you my master. We have even provided you with the figure before you as a suitable host for you to gather your army."The figure turns back into gas and flies down Mengsk's throat. Mengsk falls to the ground in pain and with his last conscious word mutters "traitor....." before he gets back up now fully under the Destroyer's control.

"Due to conditions within the Nebula, and our orders, it is required." Lant responded, "If not following the routes delivered from personnel dedicated to overseeing the patterns of the nebula to the letter a ship can easily be lost to or destroyed by it; be it from extreme radiation spikes tat can fry the radiation shielding and power of most capital ships or from extreme wind conditions that still carry the remnants of other vessels lost to Faltur. That, and if not under Red Faction escort your shuttle would be fired upon by Interceptor and Fighter Strike craft that are flying constant patrols and by any military vessels we have currently on station due to strict defensive protocols."

After the statement the Centurion had fully maneuvered into position in front of McGovern's shuttle for approach.

_________________________________________________Sir Noret: "Men we sail for Crimea to slaughter the enemies of God, those ghastly Turks who seek to disrupt the operations of our glorious ally Russia. Set forth with God Speed!"

The Promachos exited hyperspace a good distance from the planet Ruhen, the wake left by the ships jump energies residing several moments before dissipating. The Stein class frigate moved slowly closer, the sensors scanning the area for any craft near the planet, and then the planet proper.

Lieutenant Rebekka was already heading to the lower decks, her first stop being the Guard quarters. While she didn't exactly have an army under her command, the forces of the Guard and Sturmtruppen should be more then enough to face any trouble they might find ground side on the Xeno worlds.

Honestly, though, she hoped they wouldn't need them....

_________________________________________________"Throw your men into positions once there is no escape, and they will prefer death to flight."

All the sensors would detect were a sort of field of debris surrounding the planet. It did not seem like anything useful to recycle and due to the amount, it was imprudent to even bother cleaning it out. On the planet, they got similar readings, and a whole lot of desert, save for one spot. One area of the planet read an insanely powerful and unknown energy reading, breaking past any limits the sensors could detect within.

As well, one would also note that there were several lifesigns, beasts and other creatures it seemed, but lifesigns nonetheless.

--Anima Prime--

Ahead of the hallway was just more doors to either side and one that led back to the stairs, but at a higher elevation than the entrance. So far the hallway was empty, but again, that feeling of being watched, and now a feeling of being followed, was prevalent. There could also be heard several loud footsteps on the level above, headed in the same direction as the stairs.

--Reactor #4--

As the two Nobodies made a mad dash to the reactor, Xirce took the time to, while foolishly running backwards, cast several sun lances down at the enemy, piercing some and halting others if only for a moment while Xyphus was delegated the role of clearing a path ahead of them. So far so good.

As the neared the reactor, they would witness a towering structure with an unearthly greenish-blue mist floating out of either side and into the air. By the looks of the massive white structure and its complex machinery, it seemed to be the reactor they were looking for. Especially since there was no other building for miles around.

There was only one entrance and, fortunately, it was unguarded by the shadowy creatures. As they neared, the creatures let up, and outright halted a distance from the reactor itself, either repelled or afraid, or something of the likes.

--Aves--

Shadow sighed, appearing invisible next to Ackbar. "You do realize she has to have a reason to fight for you, right?" He asked, already knowing the answer. "Her world lies in the neutral region of the galaxy, right in the way of the Imperium [censored] of an armada... need I say more?"

Raven shrugged, still uncertain as to what her answer should be. Regardless, it wasn't as if she had to answer immediately anyway. Not in her mind that is.

--Absolution--

"Ignoring the more classified data, the gate is designed to create a portal of sorts. While sustaining it requires a second gate, we can maintain it long enough to land a sizable force on the planet just about anywhere." The High Sovereign replied.

--Marenta Prime, Maren--

Several dozen more shuttles landed, with about a hundred more Imperium troops storming out and a larger, taller commander that seemed out of place, given that he was wielding a scythe.

"Now then, where did he go I wonder..." The taller man spoke to himself, referencing the force sensitive Marentaz that was reported to have destroyed the initial recon force. "Come out come out and die..." He said, baiting him out as he walked calmly towards the bunker entrance.

(Note: Ask me next time before godmodding like that... As epic as it is, I do NEED to know when you're going to do it and how.)

_________________________________________________

Signatures:

"All endeavors call for the ability to tramp the last mile, shape the last plan, endure the last hours toil. The fight to the finish is the one... characteristic we must possess if we are to face the future as finishers." - Henry David Thoreau

"If you think people care about you or your commands, you're delusional. You have to make an impact, a legacy to be accountable to. Be the cause of a calamity or a miracle, and then you will become the symbol of the people; A true leader with authority, either through the mutual fear or love of the masses." - Mikhail Azarias

*Ackbar doesn't bat an eye at Shadow's appearance and gets out his PDA.* Ackbar: Yeah, yeah, I was getting to that. Get off my back, Shadow. *He presses a few buttons on it and a hologram of the Altair galaxy appears, with all of the major factions indicated. He highlights a single point on the map, at the precise location of Raven's home planet.*

Ackbar: This is your world, yes? *He goes on without waiting for an answer.* Another human-populated world. One among many in the neutral region. But that is not the only thing you have in common. You also share a doom. *A wave of red washes out from the Atrum Imperium, and every neutral world it touches simply vanishes off the map.* War has come. This faction--the Atrum Imperium--has launched a massive assault fleet against the South. We have marshaled our forces to drive them back, but we do not know if we will succeed. The invasion force is currently blowing through the neutral regions, destroying everything in its path. *The wave touches Raven's world, and it too vanishes.* If it reaches your world, it will drive your civilization to your extinction. But if you help us, Raven, then I promise you, we will try to save your people. *Pause.* That is what's at stake here. Do you understand?

Upon confirming the shuttle as following, the Centurion's helmsman takes the pair of vessels into the Faltur Nebula.(Will explain the nature of the nebula in greater detail at a later point)

After twenty minutes the ships clear through into a large clear patch of space caused by the gravity well of a Venator-class Star Destroyer. Upon closer inspection one would see the vessel had multiple visual, and at times rather deep, scars along her hull showing the vessel had seen heavy conflict at some point; and yet the vessel still stirred with activity from within. Also, within the area one could easily see several squadrons of the CAP for the vessel and a Venator II-class Super Heavy Battleship with a similar coloration to the Centurion that appeared to be off-loading supplies. As they approached the ships their comm station had crackled to life, the Communications officer patched McGovern's shuttle into the Red Faction Communications frequency.

"This is Dauntless Flight Control to the Centurion. Come in Centurion." A voice beckoned from over the waves

"This is Lieutenant Commander Ka'The Lant of the Centurion. We read you five by five." Lant quickly responded "Requesting permission to land for my ship and the one with us."

The Flight control officer of the Dauntless looked to check the IFF transponders used by the shuttle and is unable to identify it properly. He hails the ship individually.

Raven holds her hand out, desiring to look at the PDA for her own self, uncertain and apparently unaware of the latest events that have transpired. She had a curiously uncaring expression on her face.

"Okay, good, you have her attention. Now just buy time." Shadow states nodding his aggreement with Ackbar's words.

--Aves Orbit, Anatolian Star Cruiser--

A large, foreign cruiser-sized craft exits via an unknown-energy wake. It is a single craft, but clearly military in appearance and the identification codes, while also foreign, read as a military craft all the same. The ship hails the planet, stating itself as the Anatolian Combat Cruiser Ankara.

"This is the Anatolian Combat Cruiser Ankara. We are aware of the fact that you are holding an Anatolian Combat Pilot on the surface. We demand this fact be acknowledged by an official and to meet with that official and the pilot. That is all." The hail said rather curtly and authoritatively. These Anatolians did not seem to be the kind to converse more than is necessary.

_________________________________________________

Signatures:

"All endeavors call for the ability to tramp the last mile, shape the last plan, endure the last hours toil. The fight to the finish is the one... characteristic we must possess if we are to face the future as finishers." - Henry David Thoreau

"If you think people care about you or your commands, you're delusional. You have to make an impact, a legacy to be accountable to. Be the cause of a calamity or a miracle, and then you will become the symbol of the people; A true leader with authority, either through the mutual fear or love of the masses." - Mikhail Azarias